The Alliance in Vermont

Drug policy reform is picking up pace in one of the U.S.’s smaller states, Vermont, where the efforts of local organizations, the Drug Policy Alliance and others has brought forth progressive legislation. Building on the momentum, the Drug Policy Alliance Executive Director, Ethan Nadelmann, recently visited the state to attend speaking engagements and meet with local, state and federal policymakers. Nadelmann was well received in a speech at the University of Vermont and engaged radio audiences across the state.

During his visit Nadelmann largely focused on the importance of effective, science-based treatment resources and met with several local organizations working on methadone availability. In 2000, the Vermont legislature finally legalized methadone (Vermont had been one of only eight states in the U.S. with no methadone maintenance treatment for heroin addiction).  The legislature approved methadone for the treatment of heroin addiction over the objection of then Governor Howard Dean (D).  Since then, however, only one methadone maintenance site has opened, resulting in a long waiting list and requiring some current patients to drive up to five hours each day for their medication.   Methadone and other pharmacological treatments are extremely effective at treating heroin addition, so the Drug Policy Alliance is working with local organizations to increase support for better availability throughout the state, including possibilities such as mobile methadone units, take-home dosing options, and office-based prescription.

The Drug Policy Alliance has also already begun work on a medical marijuana bill to be reconsidered in 2004. This year the Senate discussed S.76, which would exempt seriously ill people from using medical marijuana and would set up and ID card system. The bill passed the Senate and was in the House Health and Welfare Committee when the regular legislative session ended. When the 2004 legislative session convenes the bill will be back in the Health and Welfare Committee for further action. Governor Douglas has said that, “There's a lot of evidence that it does some good and is effective where other substances aren't for certain patients and certain types of pain."

The Alliance will continue to work closely with lawmakers and local harm reduction organizations as the legislative session gets underway again next year.